Description
Create the most delicious homemade cherry tomato spaghetti sauce with minimal effort. This recipe delivers a vibrant, fresh, and deeply flavorful sauce perfect for any pasta night.
Ingredients
- 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 lb spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to burst, about 8-10 minutes. Gently crush some tomatoes with the back of a spoon.
- Step 2: Simmer and Reduce. Reduce heat to low. Stir in salt and pepper. Let the sauce gently simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer for a more concentrated flavor, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Finish and Serve. Just before serving, stir in fresh basil leaves. If desired, add balsamic vinegar or butter. Taste and adjust seasonings. Toss with freshly cooked spaghetti and garnish with more basil and Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins